debt

[det] / dɛt /

NOUN

money owed to others

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arrears bill capital commitment credit damage deficit due indebtedness liability mortgage obligation price tag receipt

STRONG

IOU albatross baggage bite check chit claim cuff debenture debit dues duty encumbrance invoice manifest note reckoning responsibility score tab tally voucher

WEAK

arrearage bad news below the line dead horse in hock in the hole in the red outstandings promissory note red ink

Antonyms

STRONG

irresponsibility

WEAK

asset cash excess profit

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This story about student debt relief was produced by the Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

As it rises, debt consumes resources that could be used more productively elsewhere.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Bloomberg reports that the company is looking to take on between $20 billion and $25 billion in debt through this deal.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

These estimates use federal debt held by the public, which economists prefer to a commonly cited, larger figure that includes debt the government owes itself.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

“It’s not a debt, Harry,” he said, hands tight on the wheel.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Vocabulary lists containing debt

Material World: Shopping Lingo

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The Great Depression and The New Deal

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Economics

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